Handling aid for a tampon for feminine hygiene

ABSTRACT

Handling aid for a tampon for feminine hygiene having at least two separate finger coverings for the user. At least one finger covering of the handling aid is joined to the finger covering by a line of weakness in such a way that it is at least partially detachable from the remaining part of the handling aid. The handling aid can be produced from two essentially planar portions of film corresponding to the outline of the handling aid, the outline of the aid being thermally or mechanically joined with an edge unjoined to provide a reaching-in opening. The handling aid can also be produced by dipping.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This invention is related to German Patent Application No. 199 63518.8, filed Dec. 28, 1999, and U.S. Ser. No. ______, filed Dec. 18,2000, entitled “Handling aid for a tampon for feminine hygiene” (AttyDocket J&J-1798), the disclosures of which are herein incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The invention relates to a handling aid for a tampon for femininehygiene, having at least two separate finger coverings for a user, oneof which is removable from the handling aid.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A handling aid for tampons is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,740,554. In this document there is disclosed a protective glove forthe hygienic removal of a tampon from the body cavity of a user and forsubsequent disposal of the used tampon. The glove comprises a separatefinger covering for the thumb and a partially separate finger coveringfor the index finger. A single covering, similar to a mitten covers theother areas of the fingers and hand.

[0004] Following removal of the tampon from the body cavity, it iswrapped up by turning the glove inside out, so that the tampon isessentially completely enclosed. Thus, only the inner surface of theglove, which has not contacted the used tampon, now lies on the outside.This permits hygienic disposal of the soiled tampon.

[0005] In particular when traveling or if the accustomed hygieneconditions are not encountered, however, not only hygienic disposal of atampon is a problem for the user, but also the hygienic insertion of anew tampon into the body cavity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide ahandling aid for a tampon, for feminine hygiene with which both hygienicdisposal of the used tampon and hygienic insertion of a new tampon intothe body cavity are ensured in as simple and inexpensive a way aspossible, even in the case of inadequate sanitary installations or poorhygiene conditions.

[0007] The present invention relates to a handling aid suitable for usewith a tampon for feminine hygiene. The aid has at least two separatefinger coverings for a user. At least one of these individual fingercoverings is joined to the remainder of the handling aid by a line ofweakness in such a way that the said finger covering is at leastpartially detachable from a remaining part of the handling aid.

[0008] A method of producing the handling aid can include the steps ofdipping a former into a liquid, film-forming material to form a handlingaid and forming a line of weakness in the handling aid. The former hasat least two separate lobes corresponding to finger coverings to form ahandling aid having at least two separate finger coverings for a user.Further, one of the finger coverings is at least partially detachablefrom a remaining part of the handling aid.

[0009] Another method of producing the handling aid includes the stepsof thermally bonding together a first essentially planar film and asecond essentially planar film in a pattern corresponding to an outlineof the shape of the handling aid, and protecting an edge region of thefilms from thermal bonding to form an opening in the handling aid.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] These and further advantages and features of the invention aredescribed in more detail below with reference to the attached schematicdrawings, in which:

[0011]FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the handling aid.

[0012]FIGS. 2a to 2 e show individual steps in the use of a handling aidshown in FIG. 1.

[0013]FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment-of a handling aid.

[0014]FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of a handling aid.

[0015]FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a handling aid.

[0016]FIG. 6 shows a fifth embodiment of a handling aid, and

[0017]FIG. 7 shows a sixth embodiment of a handling aid, which isfastened to a substrate.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0018] According to the invention, the at least two protective fingercoverings are formed such that they can be detached essentiallycompletely from one another. The user can therefore use the handling aidto remove a tampon hygienically from the body cavity, then detach atleast one of the finger coverings from the rest of the handling aid andwrap the used tampon up in the detached finger covering in order todispose of said tampon hygienically. For example, turning the fingercovering inside out can do this. With the aid of the least one remainingfinger covering, the user can insert a new tampon hygienically into thebody cavity, without having to touch the new tampon or regions of thebody cavity directly with her possibly soiled hands or fingers.

[0019] The handling aid preferably has a line of weakness between twofinger coverings, in order to establish a separating line for the regionof the handling aid that is used for the disposal of the used tampon. Asa result, the separation of the finger coverings can be carried out in adefined manner and always at the same place, so that, on the one hand aspecific region is detachable for completely covering and enclosing theused tampon. In addition, an adequate part of the handling aid remainsto be used to hygienically insert a new tampon. Unwanted tearing of thematerial, which could impair the function of the handling aid, isavoided.

[0020] The line of weakness may be a continuous line of weakness, sothat the part of the handling aid to be detached for disposal can becompletely detached and disposed of directly. It is also possible,however, to provide a line of weakness that is not completelycontinuous. Thus, although wrapping up of the used tampon is possibleafter destroying the line of weakness, the wrapped-up tampon continuesto be in connection with the part of the handling aid envisaged for theinsertion of a new tampon. Therefore, after insertion of the new tamponit is possible to dispose of the handling aid with the used tampon as awhole. Functional impairments do not occur as a result. The used tamponis completely shielded from the outside, for example by turning adetached finger covering inside out, so that the used tampon does notcause undesired soiling.

[0021] The line of weakness is preferably a line with a reduced materialthickness. As a result, On the one hand adequate stability of thehandling aid is ensured, which prevents inadvertent destruction of theline of weakness, on other hand intentional, defined destruction of theline of weakness is permitted. In addition, there are no openings in thematerial, so that the most stringent hygiene requirements are satisfiedand complete shielding of the fingers of the, user is ensured.

[0022] In the case of another embodiment, a perforated line defines theline of weakness. Such a perforated line is simpler in terms oftechnical production aspects and consequently less costly than the lineof weakness with reduced material thickness described above. In thisembodiment, the perforation holes may be very small, so that even inthis case stringent hygiene requirements are satisfied and fluid cannotgenerally penetrate through the perforation holes. Protection againstfluid penetrating through the perforation holes may also be additionallyachieved, if appropriate, by a water-repellent coating, for example alacquer, or by corresponding material of the glove.

[0023] For the geometrical design of the handling aid, there are manypossibilities. The handling aid preferably comprises a finger coveringfor the thumb and a finger covering for the index finger. As a result,the tampon can be hygienically removed from the body cavity. In thisembodiment, the used tampon is wrapped up in the finger covering for thethumb, which is detachable from the finger covering for the indexfinger. A new tampon is then inserted with the finger covering for theindex finger. The desired objectives can therefore be realized withleast expenditure on material.

[0024] It is also possible to provide at least two finger coverings fornot directly neighboring fingers, for example for the thumb and themiddle finger. The finger coverings may also be geometrically designedsuch that the user is largely free to choose the fingers to be used. Inthis way, maximum, individual convenience can be achieved.

[0025] In a further embodiment, a third finger covering is provided forthe middle finger. As a result, the user can remove the tampon from thebody cavity with two fingers, then dispose of it and hygienically insertthe new tampon with the third finger covering, which has not touched theused tampon. In this embodiment, the line of weakness may be providedbetween the finger covering for the thumb and the two other fingercoverings, so that the disposal is carried out as in the case of theexemplary embodiment described above. Although this is preferred, it isalso possible to provide the line of weakness between the fingercoverings for the thumb and the index finger on the one hand and thefinger covering for the middle finger on the other hand.

[0026] It goes without saying that other embodiments are conceivable. Inparticular, an embodiment with two finger coverings, one for the thumband another for the index finger and middle finger is envisioned.Alternatively, a handling aid with three finger coverings, one fingercovering being provided for the thumb and one finger covering beingprovided for the index finger and middle finger and one for the ringfinger and little finger is possible.

[0027] Furthermore, it is possible to use a handling aid in the form ofa mitten, in which one finger covering is provided for the thumb and onefinger covering is provided for the remaining fingers. In the case ofsuch a form of mitten, it is advantageous that, along with the thumbregion, a further finger is of a partially separate design, in order tofacilitate insertion of the new tampon. Such a partially separate designmay in this case extend over for instance one to two phalanxes.

[0028] Depending on the embodiment, only said fingers are covered by thefinger coverings, but it is also possible, by a correspondingly enlargedhandling aid, for parts of the palm of the hand or the back of the handto be covered.

[0029] It is possible to provide handling aids both for the left handand for the right hand and to form them relatively exactly, ifappropriate in various sizes. It is preferred, however, to providesymmetrical handling aids, in particular in a standard size, which canbe used both for the left hand and for the right hand.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, the part of the handling aid thatis envisaged for the disposal of the tampon is provided with a closure.As a result, the disposed-of tampon can, after wrapping up, for exampleby turning a finger covering inside out, be securely closed in itswrapping, so that hygienic disposal is possible, even with othercustomary garbage, and an escape of fluid is reliably prevented. Anadhesive closure, in particular a pressure-sensitive adhesive closure,may be provided as the closure. The part of the adhesive closure that iscovered with an adhesive is in this case preferably provided with apull-off covering, which is pulled off before sealing the wrapping withthe tampon enclosed. However, it is also possible to insert into thecovering material a thread with which the part of the handling aidenvisaged for disposal can be closed off.

[0031] Different adhesives, both adhesion adhesives and cohesionadhesives, may be used for the adhesive closure. The adhesives that canbe used can be subdivided into physically setting adhesives andchemically setting adhesives.

[0032] The physically setting adhesives include hot-melt adhesives, suchas SB (styrene-butadiene copolymers), EVA (ethylene-vinyl-acetate),polyesters; plastisol adhesives, such as for examplePVC+plasticizer+coupling agent; pressure-sensitive adhesives, such asrubbers or polyacrylates; contact adhesives, such as PUR (polyurethaneplastics) SB (styrene-butadiene copolymers); solvent/dispersionadhesives, such as VA (vinyl-acetate), VC (vinylchloride), VDC(vinylidene chloride) copolymers, EVA (ethylene-vinyl-acetate) orpolyacrylates; or else glues based on starch, dextrin, PVAL (polyvinylalcohol) or cellulose ether.

[0033] The chemically setting adhesives include, for example, reactionadhesives, such as for example EP (epoxy)+anhydrides, EP(epoxy)+polyamines, polyisocyanates+polyols, cyanoacrylates or UP(urethane polyester resins)+styrene or methacrylate.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment of the handling aid for the tampon, anew tampon can be hygienically packed in it and protected againstcontamination and moisture, so that there is no need for additionalpackaging and packaging material is saved.

[0035] The new tampon may be packed, for example, in one of the fingercoverings, it also being possible here to provide a releasable sealingor an easy-to-open closure, in order that the new tampon is hygienicallypacked in the closed-off finger covering until it is used.

[0036] In a further embodiment of the handling aid according to theinvention, an absorbent material is provided on the outer side,preferably at a region of the handling aid that is used for the disposalof the used tampon. The tampon removed from the body cavity is placedonto this absorbent material, so that possibly escaping fluid can beabsorbed and soiling by fluid can be avoided.

[0037] In a further advantageous embodiment, both the tip of the thumband a second finger tip of the second finger covering are provided withan absorbent material. As a result, the used tampon is easier to handle.Furthermore, all the regions of the handling aid that can come intocontact with the used tampon have an absorbent material, in order toabsorb fluid immediately and reliably and to avoid soiling.

[0038] Different absorbent materials may be used, in particular nonwovenmaterials, fibrous materials and foam-based materials. Furthermore, theabsorbent material may contain superabsorbents, which can absorb manytimes their own weight of fluid.

[0039] The handling aid preferably comprises a plastic film, becausethis material is generally both impermeable to fluid and veryinexpensive and at the same time has small packing dimensions andadequate stability, in order to avoid unwanted tearing of the handlingaid.

[0040] For reasons of environmental protection, a degradable material ispreferably used for the handling aid. Biodegradable materials withdifferent degrading speeds may be used. A minimum degrading time isaround 5 minutes, in order that the user has adequate time to wrap theused tampon in part of the handling aid and dispose of it before thedegradable material noticeably breaks up.

[0041] Particularly preferred is a degrading time of one week to onemonth, whereby it is generally ensured that the tampon is disposed of inits state of being enclosed by the handling aid in a sealed manner by adisposal company within the regular time period. Suitable in particularas degradable materials are materials which have at least one polyester,in particular from the family of poly-α-hydroxyl acids, such aspolytrimethylene carbonate, polydioxanone, poly-glycolide, polyactide,poly-(L-lactide-coglycolide) along with their copolymers with oneanother, polyorthoester and/or polycaprolactone, polyhydroxybutyrate orpolyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate. Thepolyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate preferably has a valerate contentof between 5 and 25%.

[0042] The degrading rate or degrading speed of the individual materialscan be controlled by adding filler materials, for example starch, or bythe choice of chain lengths or the number of branches.

[0043] In addition to these materials, suitable as further materials arealso EVA (ethylene-vinyl-acetate), EMA (ethylene-maleic anhydridecopolymers), PP (polypropylene) or PE (polyethylene).

[0044] An essentially opaque or colored material is preferably used, sothat the disposal of the used tampon can take place discreetly andwithout being made visible.

[0045] The handling aid may be coated on its inner side with askin-friendly medium and/or with an antiallergenic.

[0046] The invention also relates to a method of production forproducing the handling aid according to the invention described above.All methods of producing gloves, in particular medical gloves, known inthe prior art may be used.

[0047] Suitable in particular are dip-molding methods, in which a formerwhich corresponds to the desired shape of the handling aid is dippedonce or preferably a number of times into a solution of the desiredmaterial.

[0048] The material thickness of the handling aid and its characteristicproperties, in particular extensibility, tear resistance etc., can bedetermined by the choice of material and the number of dip-moldingoperations.

[0049] It is also possible by successive dip-molding operations intodifferent solutions to achieve a specific layer structure of thematerial, with which the characteristic properties can likewise beinfluenced.

[0050] Such methods are known, for example, from DE 27 42 324 C2, EP 0592 175 B1 or EP 0 543 657 B1.

[0051] It is also possible to produce the handling aid from twoessentially planar portions of film corresponding to the outlines of theshape of the handling aids. The portions of film are in this case weldedor thermally bonded to one another, in their edge regions, so that thedesired handling aid is created.

[0052] The films may firstly be cut and then joined to one another, butit is preferred for two webs of film to be laid one over the other. Thetwo films are welded at the desired joining line and severed from thefilm material in the desired shape simultaneously, in a singleprocessing step. The severing of the films may be carried out thermallyor mechanically or by both methods combined.

[0053] For better handling or as packaging, the film handling aids maybe fastened or adhesively attached to a substrate, in particular made ofpaper, in such a way they can be pulled off. The adhesion of thehandling aid an the material of the substrate may be brought about boththermally, in particular in a process taking place simultaneously withthe thermal welding of the films of the handling aid, or else means ofadhesives.

[0054] Preferably only individual regions of the handling aid arefastened to the substrate, but it is also possible to fasten thehandling aid to the substrate over its full surface area.

[0055] It is also possible to use further known methods of processingfilms and plastics materials.

[0056] The line of weakness is preferably made in the material of thehandling aid by processing tools with the application of heat and/orpressure.

[0057] The invention also relates to use of the handling aids describedabove as a disposal aid for a used tampon and as an insertion aid for anew tampon.

[0058]FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of a handling aid Hl having afinger covering 10 for the thumb and a finger covering 20 for the indexfinger of the user. The two finger coverings 10, 20 can be detachedcompletely from one another by a continuous line of weakness 50, thefinger covering 10 envisaged for disposal having an adhesive closure 60at the lower end. The part of the adhesive closure 60 that is coatedwith adhesive is provided with a protective covering 62, which is pulledoff before the sealing of the finger covering to be detached.

[0059] The line of weakness 50 has a reduced thickness in comparisonwith the other material, so that the handling aid H1 has a completelyclosed-off surface.

[0060] The embodiment of the handling aid H1 represented comprises twoessentially planar EVA films 41, 42, which are welded to one another inthe region of the edge contours 43 of the fingers or finger coverings.The handling aid H1 can therefore be produced at very low cost.

[0061]FIGS. 2a to 2 e show phases of the use of a handling aid as it isdepicted in FIG. 1. According to FIG. 2a, the thumb and the index fingerof the right hand of a user are covered by the handling aid H1. A tampon100 is held by its retrieval string 101 with the left, uncovered handand is placed between the thumb and index finger of the right hand, theline of weakness 50 with reduced material thickness being providedbetween the finger coverings 10, 20. The rear part of the fingercovering 10 for the thumb is then grasped (FIG. 2b), and is separatedalong the line of weakness 50 from the finger covering 20 and turnedinside out over the thumb of the user in the direction of the arrowstoward the tip of the thumb and is drawn over the used tampon 100 (FIG.2c). The finger covering 10 consequently forms a pocket in which thetampon 100 can be completely closed by means of an adhesive bond 60 andhygienically disposed of (FIG. 2d). With the remaining finger covering20 for the index finger, the new tampon can then be hygienicallyinserted into the body cavity (FIG. 2e).

[0062]FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment of a handling aid H2. In additionto the finger coverings 10 and 20 for the thumb and index finger, thisembodiment comprises a third finger covering 30 for the middle finger.As in the case of the exemplary embodiment explained above, a line ofweakness 50′ is located between the finger covering 10 for the thumb andthe finger covering 20 for the index finger.

[0063] As a result, the handling and disposal of the used tampon can becarried out with the thumb and index finger, while the new tampon isinserted into the body cavity with the middle finger covered by thethird finger covering 30. Thus, this finger covering 30 remains unsoiledas it does not come into contact with the used tampon.

[0064] By contrast with the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the line ofweakness 50′ is not continuous, but has an interruption 55 and tworeinforcements 56 (only one on the front side is shown), which separatethe interruption 55 from the line of weakness 50′ in order to avoidunwanted tearing. This makes it possible to enclose and pack the usedtampon by turning the finger covering 10 inside out, without the fingercovering 10 being completely separated from the remaining handling aidH2, namely the finger coverings 20, 30. Therefore, after insertion ofthe new tampon into the body cavity, the entire handling aid H2 can bedisposed of completely and in one piece. In this embodiment also, anadhesive closure 60 at the lower end of the finger covering 10 serves asthe closure. A pressure-sensitive adhesive is applied to the adhesiveclosure; a protective covering as in the case of the embodimentrepresented in FIG. 1 may also be provided here.

[0065]FIG. 4 shows a third embodiment of a handling aid H3 in the formof a mitten, having a finger -covering 10 for the thumb and a fingercovering 21 for the remaining fingers. The finger covering 21 has aseparate region 21′, which extends approximately over the length of aphalanx of the index finger, in order to facilitate insertion of a newtampon. The line of weakness 51 is a continuous perforated line thatpermits complete detachment of the finger covering 10 from the fingercovering 21, 21′. In this embodiment, a thread 61 in the lower region isprovided as the closure for the finger covering 10 and, by drawingtogether after wrapping up the tampon, largely shields the latter fromthe outside.

[0066] In addition to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, a layer ofan absorbent material 70 is provided on the finger covering 10 for thethumb and a second layer of an absorbent material 71 is provided on theseparate region 21, of the finger covering 21. The absorbent material70, 71 contains superabsorbent material, which can absorb many times itsown weight of fluid and does not give off or lose any absorbed fluid,even under pressure.

[0067] During removal and disposal, the used tampon only comes intocontact with the absorbent material 70, 71 before the turning inside outof a finger covering and the wrapping up, so that possibly escapingfluid is immediately absorbed and soiling is avoided. After removal, thetampon is positioned at least partially on the material 70, so that,even after wrapping up of the tampon and disposal, fluid escaping fromthe tampon is absorbed.

[0068]FIG. 5 shows a fourth embodiment of a handling aid H4 according tothe invention, which essentially corresponds to the handling aid H2shown in FIG. 3. The same elements are provided with identicaldesignations.

[0069] In addition to the handling aid H2 shown in FIG. 3, a new tampon110 is packed in the finger covering 70 of the handling aid H4 shown inFIG. 5. In the case of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the tampon merelylies loosely in the finger covering 30. However, it is adequately heldin place by the finger covering 30. It may also be envisaged, however,to fasten the tampon 110 releaseably to an inner region of the fingercovering 30, for example by an adhering point.

[0070] The finger covering 30 of the handling aid H4 is closed off fromthe outside and with respect to the other finger coverings 10, 20 by asealing closure 65. This creates in the finger covering 30 a closed-offand hygienically sealed space in which the new tampon 110 can behygienically stored until use.

[0071] The sealing closure 65 may be formed, for example, by adhesives,as have already been described above in connection with the adhesiveclosure 60. It is also possible, however, to provide a purely mechanicalconnection between the two sides of the handling aid H4, for example bytwo opposite linear connecting elements which engage mechanically in oneanother.

[0072] The sealing closure 65 is designed in such a way that it can beeasily opened by the user, without damaging the surface of the handlingaid H4. It is also possible to provide a recloseable sealing closure 65.

[0073] It goes without saying that it is also possible, depending on thegeometry of the handling aid H4 provided, for the new tampon 110 to beintroduced into other finger coverings 10, 20 for storage.

[0074] According to FIG. 6, it is also possible to provide an additionalstorage pocket 80, for example on an outer region of the handling aid H4for storing the new tampon 110 instead of the possibility of storagewithin a finger covering of the handling aid. In this case as well, thestorage pocket 80 can be hygienically closed by a sealing closure 65′,which comprises the mechanical or adhesive connecting elements alreadymentioned above. Otherwise, the embodiment represented in FIG. 6corresponds to the embodiment represented in FIG. 5.

[0075]FIG. 7 shows a handling aid H6 that essentially corresponds to thehandling aid represented in FIG. 1; therefore, identical or comparableparts have been provided with identical designations.

[0076] The handling aid is attached to a paper substrate 90 by means ofan adhesive. Preferably, only an edge region 91 of approximately 3 to 5mm of the handling aid is bonded to the substrate 90. The papersubstrate 90 serves as packaging for the handling aid H6, and it ispossible for the paper substrate 90 to be both folded and rolledtogether with the handling aid H6. The paper substrate 90 thereforeprotects the handling aid H6 against damage before actual use and makeshandling easier.

[0077] The substrate may also consist of other materials, in particularplastic materials. Furthermore, the handling aid may also be fastened tothe substrate by means of other methods and means, for example by slightsuperficial melting. It is particularly preferred for the substrate tohave material which has a lower melting point than the handling aid, oris coated with such a material, in order not to damage the handling aidwhen it is attached to the substrate.

[0078] As already explained in the introductory part of the description,it goes without saying that it is also possible to realize othergeometries of the handling aid, without departing from the subjectmatter of the invention.

[0079] The specification and embodiments above are presented to aid inthe complete and non-limiting understanding of the invention disclosedherein. Since many variations and embodiments of the invention can bemade without departing from its spirit and scope, the invention residesin the claims hereinafter appended.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handling aid suitable for use with a tampon forfeminine hygiene, having at least two separate finger coverings for auser, wherein at least one finger covering of the handling aid is joinedto the finger covering by a line of weakness in such a way that the saidfinger covering is at least partially detachable from a remaining partof the handling aid.
 2. The handling aid as claimed in claim 1 , whereinthe line of weakness is disposed between two finger coverings.
 3. Thehandling aid as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the line of weakness iscontinuous and the at least one finger covering of the handling aid canbe detached completely from the remaining part of the handling aid. 4.The handling aid as claimed in claim 2 , wherein the line of weakness isinterrupted at least in a subregion.
 5. The handling aid as claimed inclaim 1 , wherein the line of weakness is a line with reduced materialthickness.
 6. The handling aid as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the lineof weakness is a perforated line.
 7. The handling aid as claimed inclaim 1 , wherein one of the at least two finger coverings is arrangedand configured to cover the thumb and another of the at least two fingercoverings is arranged and configured to cover the index finger of auser's hand.
 8. The handling aid as claimed in claim 1 , wherein one ofthe at least two finger coverings is arranged and configured to coverthe thumb, another of the at least two finger coverings is arranged andconfigured to cover the index finger, and a third of the at least twofinger coverings is arranged and configured to cover the middle fingerof a user's hand.
 9. The handling aid as claimed in claim 1 , whereinone of the at least two finger coverings is arranged and configured tocover the thumb and another of the at least two finger coverings isarranged and configured to cover both the index and middle fingers of auser's hand.
 10. The handling aid as claimed in claim 1 , wherein one ofthe at least two finger coverings is arranged and configured to coverthe thumb, another of the at least two finger coverings is arranged andconfigured to cover both the index and middle fingers, and a third ofthe at least two finger coverings is arranged and configured to coverboth the ring and little finger of a user's hand.
 11. The handling aidas claimed in claim 1 , wherein one of the at least two finger coveringsis arranged and configured to cover the thumb and another of the atleast two finger coverings is arranged and configured to cover theremaining fingers of a user's hand.
 12. The handling aid as claimed inclaim 1 , wherein one of the at least two finger coverings is providedwith a closure.
 13. The handling aid as claimed in claim 12 , whereinthe closure is an adhesive closure.
 14. The handling aid as claimed inclaim 13 , wherein the adhesive closure comprises a physically settingadhesive.
 15. The handling aid as claimed in claim 13 , wherein theadhesive closure comprises a chemically setting adhesive.
 16. Thehandling aid as claimed in claim 12 , wherein the closure comprises athread in the finger covering material.
 17. The handling aid as claimedin claim 1 , further comprising a tampon packaged in one of the at leasttwo finger coverings.
 18. The handling aid as claimed in claim 17 ,wherein the tampon is contained within the one of the at least twofinger coverings by a sealing closure which is capable of being openedby hand for to remove the tampon.
 19. The handling aid as claimed inclaim 1 , which further comprises an absorbent material at least on partof an outer side of the handling aid.
 20. The handling aid as claimed inclaim 19 , wherein a tip region of the finger covering arranged andconfigured to cover the thumb and a tip region of a further fingercovering are provided at least partially with the absorbent material.21. The handling aid as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least twofinger coverings comprise a plastic film.
 22. The handling aid asclaimed as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the at least two fingercoverings comprise a biodegradable material.
 23. The handling aid asclaimed in claim 21 , wherein the plastic film comprises a thermoplasticmaterial which has at least one polyester from the group consisting ofpoly-α-hydroxyl acids, such as polytrimethylene carbonate,polydioxanone, polyglycolide, polyactide, poly (L-lactide-coglycolide)along with their copolymers with one another, polyorthoester and/orpolycaprolactone, polyhydroxybutyrate or polyhydroxybutyrate-cohydroxyvalerate.
 24. The handling aid as claimed in claim 23 , whereinthe thermoplastic material comprises a copolymer ofpolyhydroxybutyrate-cohydroxyvalerate which has a valerate content ofbetween 5 and 25%
 25. The handling aid as claimed in claim 21 , whereinthe thermoplastic material comprises EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) or EMA(ethylene-maleic anhydride) copolymers or PP (polypropylene) or PE(polyethylene).
 26. The handling aid as claimed in one of the precedingclaims, wherein it at least partially consists of essentially opaquematerial.
 27. The handling aid as claimed in claim 1 , furthercomprising a substrate on which the at least two finger coverings areremovably disposed.
 28. The handling aid as claimed in claim 27 ,wherein the substrate comprises paper.
 29. The handling aid as claimedin claim 27 , wherein the substrate comprises polymeric material. 30.The handling aid as claimed in claim 29 , wherein the polymeric materialhas a lower melting point than the material of the handling aid.
 31. Thehandling aid as claimed in claim 27 , wherein the substrate comprisespaper coated with a polymeric material.
 32. The handling aid as claimedin claim 31 , wherein the polymeric material has a lower melting pointthan the material of the handling aid.
 33. A method of producing ahandling aid suitable for use with a tampon for feminine hygienecomprising the steps of: a) dipping a former having at least twoseparate lobes corresponding to finger coverings into a liquid,film-forming material to form a handling aid having at least twoseparate finger coverings for a user; and b) forming a line of weaknesswherein one of said finger coverings is at least partially detachablefrom a remaining part of the handling aid.
 34. The method as claimed inclaim 33 , further comprising the step of drying the handling aid anddipping the former and dried handling aid an additional time into theliquid, film-forming material.
 35. The method as claimed in claim 33 ,further comprising the step of drying the handling aid and dipping theformer and dried handling aid an additional time into a second liquid,film-forming material.
 36. A method of producing a handling aid suitablefor use with a tampon for feminine hygiene comprising the steps of: a)thermally bonding together a first essentially planar film and a secondessentially planar film in a pattern corresponding to an outline of theshape of the handling aid; b) protecting an edge region of the filmsfrom thermal bonding to form an opening in the handling aid.
 37. Themethod as claimed in claim 36 , further comprising the step oflaminating the first essentially planar film to a substrate by applyingpressure and temperature.
 38. The method of producing a handling aid asclaimed in claim 36 , further comprising the step of forming a line ofweakness wherein one of said finger coverings is at least partiallydetachable from a remaining part of the handling aid.
 39. The method ofproducing a handling aid as claimed in claim 38 , wherein the step offorming the line of weakness comprises applying pressure to the film.40. The method of producing a handling aid as claimed in claim 38 ,wherein the step of forming the line of weakness comprises reducing thefilm thickness.
 41. The method of producing a handling aid as claimed inclaim 38 , wherein the step of forming the line of weakness comprisesperforating the film along the line of weakness.
 42. A method ofdisposing of a tampon comprising the steps of: a) removing a soiledtampon; b) at least partially detaching one finger covering from ahandling aid comprising at least two separate finger coverings for auser, wherein at least one finger covering of the handling aid is joinedto the finger covering by a line of weakness in such a way that the saidfinger covering is at least partially detachable from a remaining partof the handling aid; c) enclosing the soiled tampon in the detachedfinger covering by turning this finger covering inside out, for hygienicdisposal; and d) disposing of the soiled tampon.